Nutrient - Vitamin B is hailed as ’revolutionary’ in fight against Alzheimer’s

By Nutri People

A recent, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study undertaken by researchers at Oxford University, has found a potential weapon in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, by using B vitamins.

The ground-breaking trial, involving 270 pensioners, was carried out over a two-year period and achieved extremely promising results. High doses of vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 were given to half of those taking part in the trial and the other half took a dummy pill containing no active ingredients.

The study focused on measuring levels of homocysteine in the body, which is made naturally, but which, at high levels, can be potentially damaging. It has, for some time now, been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a number of other degenerative diseases.

The study suggested that reducing levels of homocysteine, via supplementation of B vitamins, may reduce the risk of brain atrophy. Accelerated rate of brain atrophy in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and the study confirmed that by taking these specific B vitamins, development of the disease was delayed.

While the study used folic acid at high levels (800mg daily), there have also been a number of previous studies showing positive results in reducing homocysteine using these three B vitamins at lower levels and over shorter periods of time. Homocysteine levels in the body may also be determined by an individual’s nutrient status and whether their daily diet includes foods such as wholegrains that contain good levels of B vitamins, as well as those already fortified with folic acid.

It is also worth noting that other nutrients, such as zinc and tri-methyl glycine, which are required for healthy methylation, are also needed to maintain low homocysteine and are synergistic with other B vitamins.